NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2019 NFL Draft: 5 Players with something to prove in college football Week 3

By Michael Johnson

AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 11: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones rushes for yards as linebacker Calvin Bundage #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys blocks in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 11: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones rushes for yards as linebacker Calvin Bundage #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys blocks in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

4. A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss 

A.J. Brown is the top wide receiver prospect on many draft boards, and he’s looking to impress NFL scouts against one the nations top defenses as, again, Ole Miss faces Alabama. Listed at 6-1, 225 pounds, Brown is bigger than any defensive back he’ll face on Saturday night. Where Brown excels is his ability to impose his will on defenders physically. Moreover, he has the ability to break tackles and make guys miss. 

More from NFL Spin Zone

There’s no doubt that Nick Saban and his staff will do their best to shut down Brown. So far this season, Brown’s been on fire. He already has 251 yards and three scores in the first two weeks of the season. Alabama is a different beast, however, and Brown knows it. Last season, the Crimson Tide rendered Brown a non-factor.

Alabama routed Ole Miss, 66-3, and Brown had only one catch for six yards. If he allows a repeat of last season, Brown’s stock could fall. The pressure is on for Brown, but there’s no better way to prove himself than against Alabama. 

3. Michael Jackson, CB, Miami 

Despite the Miami Hurricanes’ destruction at the hands of the LSU Tigers, Jackson held his own. Unfortunately, he didn’t make enough plays to improve his draft stock. In fact, in the two games he’s played, Jackson hasn’t had a single pass defensed or registered an interception. This week, he faces Tulane and 6-2, 210-pound Diontae Johnson.

Jackson has a statement to make in this matchup. If Jackson wants to continue being considered one of the best cornerback prospects in this class, he’ll have to shut down Johnson. It won’t be an easy task. Last season, Johnson dominated the Canes as the go-to guy with eight catches, two of them going for touchdowns. Jackson’s physicality and quickness must come into play in order to make a play. He can’t end this game without a pass defended.

Home/NFL Draft